U.S. patent number 10,060,582 [Application Number 14/728,151] was granted by the patent office on 2018-08-28 for modular flashlight system with retention device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to TACTICAL IMPULSE LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is TACTICAL IMPULSE LLC. Invention is credited to Paul O'Brien.
United States Patent |
10,060,582 |
O'Brien |
August 28, 2018 |
Modular flashlight system with retention device
Abstract
A modular flashlight and a modular flashlight system are
provided. In one example, the modular flashlight includes a base
configuration that can be modified with a modular extension
unit.
Inventors: |
O'Brien; Paul (Arlington,
TX) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TACTICAL IMPULSE LLC |
Arlington |
TX |
US |
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Assignee: |
TACTICAL IMPULSE LLC
(Arlington, TX)
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Family
ID: |
54141730 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/728,151 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20150267882 A1 |
Sep 24, 2015 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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13749636 |
Jan 24, 2013 |
9046230 |
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61589944 |
Jan 24, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21L
4/005 (20130101); F21L 4/085 (20130101); F21V
23/0442 (20130101); F21L 4/08 (20130101); F21Y
2115/10 (20160801); F21V 23/0421 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21L
4/08 (20060101); F21V 23/04 (20060101); F21L
4/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Cariaso; Alan
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Howison; Gregory M.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/749,636, filed on Jan. 24, 2013, entitled
MODULAR FLASHLIGHT SYSTEM, published as U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2013/0265749, published on Oct. 10, 2013. U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/749,636 claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/589,944, filed Jan. 24, 2012, and entitled LED
FLASHLIGHT SYSTEM. The specifications of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/749,636, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2013/0265749, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/589,944 are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A flashlight system, comprising: a housing with a first end and
a second end; a retention device configured to interface with and
contain the housing; a light source disposed at a first end of the
housing; a controller configured to toggle an output mode of the
light source between at least an on state and an off state; a first
switch electrically coupled to the controller, configured to
provide an input signal to the controller to toggle the light
source between at least the on state and the off state; and a
sensor electrically coupled to the controller, wherein the sensor
is configured to detect a presence of a component matched to the
sensor by detection of a magnetic field of the component, the
component positioned in the retention device such that the sensor
does not contact the component, and wherein the sensor is
configured to provide an input signal to the controller to store an
operating on/off state into memory upon detection of a component
matched to the sensor being in proximity to the sensor, and upon
removal of the housing from the retention device resulting in the
component matched to the sensor being moved out of proximity to the
sensor, the controller returning the light source to the stored
operating on/off state.
2. The flashlight system of claim 1 wherein a retention device is
configured to removably receive the housing so that the sensor is
positioned proximate to the component matched to the sensor when
the housing is received into the retention device.
3. The flashlight system of claim 2 wherein a tail cap is
configured to removably couple to the second end of the housing,
wherein a second switch is configured to toggle the light source
between at least an on state and an off.
4. The flashlight system of claim 1 wherein the controller is
additionally configured to toggle the light source to a
user-defined on/off state and output mode upon removal of the
component matched to the sensor.
5. The flashlight system of claim 1 wherein a tail cap is
configured to removably couple to the second end of the housing,
wherein a second switch is configured to toggle the light source
between at least an on state and an off.
6. A retention device operable to interact with a flashlight having
a sensor, comprising: a receptacle for receiving the flashlight,
the receptacle having a lip to prevent the flashlight from sliding
through; and a component matched to the sensor, for interacting
with the sensor of the flashlight, wherein the component matched to
the sensor provides a magnetic field detectable by the sensor, such
that the sensor can control at least one of an on state and an off
state of a light source of the flashlight when in proximity to the
retention device, wherein the component matched to the sensor is
positioned in the retention device such that the sensor does not
contact the component matched to the sensor, and wherein the sensor
is configured to provide an input signal to store an operating
on/off state into memory upon detection of a component matched to
the sensor in proximity to the sensor, and, upon removal of the
flashlight from the retention device resulting in the component
matched to the sensor being moved out of proximity to the sensor,
return the flashlight to the stored operating on/off state.
7. A retention device comprising: a receptacle for receiving a
flashlight, the flashlight including a sensor; an electric current
delivery system to charge a flashlight battery within the retention
device; a power receptacle for receiving power from a power source
external to the retention device; a component matched to the
sensor, for interacting with the sensor of the flashlight, wherein
the component matched to the sensor provides a magnetic field
detectable by the sensor, such that the sensor can control at least
one of an on state and an off state of a light source of the
flashlight when in proximity to the retention device, wherein the
component matched to the sensor is positioned in the retention
device such that the sensor does not contact the component matched
to the sensor, and wherein the sensor is configured to provide an
input signal to store an operating on/off state into memory upon
detection of a component matched to the sensor in proximity to the
sensor, and, upon removal of the flashlight from the retention
device resulting in the component matched to the sensor being moved
out of proximity to the sensor, return the flashlight to the stored
operating on/off state; and a visual indicator for displaying a
charging status of the flashlight battery.
8. The retention device of claim 7 further comprising: a charging
circuit board.
9. The retention device of claim 8 further comprising a female
power output receptacle in a common Universal Serial Bus (USB)
arrangement coupled to an internal battery.
10. A modular flashlight system, comprising: a first housing with a
first end and a second end; a retention device configured to
interface with and contain the first housing; a light source
disposed at the first end of the first housing; a controller
configured to toggle the light source between at least an on state
and an off state; and a first switch electrically coupled to the
controller, configured to provide an input signal to the controller
to toggle the light source between at least the on state and the
off state; a sensor electrically coupled to the controller, wherein
the sensor is configured to: detect a presence of a component
matched to the sensor by detection of a magnetic field of the
component, the component positioned in the retention device such
that the sensor does not contact the component, and wherein the
sensor is configured to provide an input signal to the controller
to store an operating on/off state into memory upon detection of a
component matched to the sensor being in proximity to the sensor,
and upon removal of the first housing from the retention device
resulting in the component matched to the sensor being moved out of
proximity to the sensor, the controller returning the light source
to the stored operating on/off state; and a modular extension unit
having a second housing with a third end and a fourth end, wherein
the third end is configured to removably couple to the second end
of the first housing, wherein the second housing is configured to
complete the circuit to provide power to the light source, wherein
only one of a tail cap and the second housing can be coupled to the
second end at a particular time.
11. A modular flashlight system, comprising: a first housing with a
first end and a second end; a retention device configured to
interface with and contain the first housing; a first light source
disposed at the first end of the first housing; a second housing
removably coupled to the first housing, and having a second light
source; a controller configured to toggle at least one of the first
light source and the second light source between at least one of an
on state and an off state; a sensor electrically coupled to the
controller, wherein the sensor is configured to: detect a presence
of a component matched to the sensor by detection of a magnetic
field of the component, the component positioned in the retention
device such that the sensor does not contact the component, and
wherein the sensor is configured to provide an input signal to the
controller to store an operating on/off state into memory upon
detection of a component matched to the sensor being in proximity
to the sensor, and upon removal of the first housing from the
retention device resulting in the component matched to the sensor
being moved out of proximity to the sensor, the controller
returning the at least one of the first light source and the second
light source to the stored operating on/off state; a first switch
electrically coupled to the controller, configured to provide an
input signal to the controller to toggle at least one of the first
light source and the second light source between at least one of
the on state and the off state; and a second switch configured to
toggle at least one of the first light source and the second light
source between at least one of the on state and the off state
independently of the first switch.
Description
BACKGROUND
Flashlights are expected to provide reliability in their primary
function of area illumination. Reliable functionality is
particularly important for the military and first responders such
as police officers, firefighters, and other emergency service
personnel who are expected to discharge their duties regardless of
the conditions in which they find themselves. Many military, first
responder, and other professionals carry their flashlights whenever
they are on duty and may use them for any number of tasks in
addition to area illumination even though their flashlights may not
be well suited for such tasks. Accordingly, improvements are needed
to provide additional functionality to flashlights.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
Drawings in which:
FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
flashlight;
FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the
flashlight of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a tail
cap that may form part of the flashlight of FIG. 1A;
FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate cross-sectional views of one embodiment
of the tail cap of FIG. 2A;
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate cross-sectional views of one embodiment
of a battery holder that may form part of the flashlight of FIG.
1A;
FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of a circuit that
may be used in the flashlight of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 5A illustrates one embodiment of a modular extension unit that
may be used with the flashlight of FIG. 1A;
FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate side and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of embodiments of the modular extension unit of FIG.
5A coupled to the flashlight of FIG. 1A;
FIGS. 5D and 5E illustrate more detailed embodiments of the modular
extension unit of FIG. 5C;
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate side and perspective views,
respectively, of another embodiment of a modular extension unit
that may be used with the flashlight of FIG. 1A;
FIGS. 6C and 6D illustrate side and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of embodiments of the modular extension unit of FIGS.
6A and 6B coupled to the flashlight of FIG. 1A;
FIGS. 6E and 6F illustrate more detailed embodiments of the modular
extension unit of FIG. 6D;
FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
retention device that may be used with the flashlight of FIG.
1A;
FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the retention
device of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7C illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the
retention device of FIG. 7A retaining the flashlight of FIG.
1A;
FIG. 7D illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the
retention device of FIG. 7A retaining the flashlight of FIG.
1A;
FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate perspective views of embodiments of a
recharging unit that may be used with the flashlight of FIG.
1A;
FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the recharging
unit of FIGS. 8A and 8B;
FIGS. 8D and 8E illustrate perspective views of embodiments of the
recharging unit of FIGS. 8A and 8B with the flashlight of FIG. 1A;
and
FIG. 8F illustrates a top cross-sectional view of one embodiment of
the recharging unit of FIGS. 8A and 8B with the flashlight of FIG.
1A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are
used herein to designate like elements throughout, the various
views and embodiments of a modular flashlight and a modular
flashlight system are illustrated and described, and other possible
embodiments are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to
scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated
and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes. One of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible
applications and variations based on the following examples of
possible embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, one embodiment of a modular
flashlight 100 is illustrated in a non-limiting base configuration
embodiment. As will be described in detail in the following
disclosure, the flashlight 100 may be operated in the base
configuration and may also be reconfigured from the base
configuration embodiment with various modular extension units to
provide additional functionality depending on which modular
extension unit is used with the base configuration. The modular
extension units are easily transportable and may be attached and
detached as needed. In some embodiments, a modular extension unit
may provide functions that are not provided by the base
configuration embodiment of the flashlight 100. In other
embodiments, a modular extension unit may support the base
configuration without providing additional functionality.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the flashlight 100
includes a base configuration that is formed by a substantially
cylindrical housing 102 coupled to or including a head 104. It is
understood that the housing 102 and head 104 may overlap or
otherwise merge in different ways depending on the particular
design of the flashlight 100 and that the head may also be part of
or integral with the body. Accordingly, features described herein
as positioned in, on or near the head 104 may be in or on the
housing 102 in some embodiments, or vice versa.
The base configuration embodiment includes a head mounted switch
106 positioned on or near the head 104. The illustrated base
configuration embodiment also includes a tail cap 108 having a tail
mounted switch 110. Accordingly, the base configuration embodiment
provides the two switches 106 and 110, either of which can toggle a
light source 112.
The head 104 provides a substantially conical covering 105 and a
lens 107 configured to protect a light source 112 that is coupled
to the housing 102. In some embodiments, the covering 105 may have
a reflective interior coating and be shaped to direct light from
the flashlight 100. The light source 112 is a light emitting diode
(LED) in the present embodiment, but it is understood that other
types of light sources may be used such as incandescent, halogen
and fluorescent light sources. A single LED is used for purposes of
example in parts of this disclosure, however, it is understood and
expressly noted that multiple LEDs may be used.
The LED 112 (or other type of light source) may be cycled through
two or more states using either of the switches 106 and 110. In the
present embodiment, the states include an OFF state and multiple ON
states, such as a HIGH state, a MEDIUM state, a LOW state, and a
STROBE state. The HIGH, MEDIUM, and LOW states indicate relative
output intensity of the LED 112. The STROBE state provides an
automated varying output intensity that may range from the HIGH
state to the LOW state or OFF state, or may be based on other
states (e.g., HIGH to MEDIUM or MEDIUM to LOW). The STROBE state
may be configured to increase and/or decrease in intensity (e.g.,
pulse) until the next state is reached and/or may flip directly
between states (e.g., flash).
One or both of the switches 106 and 110 may differentiate between
levels of pressure, or number of cycles or other operations applied
to the switch. For example, a relatively light pressure may actuate
the switch and activate the LED 112, but such pressure may be
continually required if the LED 112 is to remain activated (e.g.,
in this mode the switch serves as a momentary contact switch such
as a "push-to-make" switch). Removal of the pressure will turn off
the LED 112. A higher level of pressure that crosses a pressure
threshold may actuate the switch and result in constant activation
of the LED 112 even when the pressure is removed (e.g., the switch
serves as a constant contact switch). The LED 112 may remain on
until an amount of pressure that also crosses the pressure
threshold is again applied to deactivate the LED 112. The
application of pressure great enough to cross the pressure
threshold may result in feedback (e.g., tactile feedback and/or
audio feedback, such as a "click" sound) to provide the user with
an indication that the LED 112 is locked in the ON state.
Alternatively, one or both switches may be configured to respond to
multiple presses or other action to activate the LED 112 or level
of the LED 112.
Referring specifically to FIG. 1B, a cross-sectional view of the
housing 102 and head 104 is illustrated for a base configuration
embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 includes
a cavity 114, which may be accessed by removal of the tail cap 108.
The cavity 114 is configured to receive a battery holder 116, which
will be described in greater detail below. It is understood that in
some embodiments, cavity 114 may be configured to receive a
stand-alone battery, wherein each of its first end and second end
contain both positive and negative polarity. In the present
embodiment, one or more batteries in the battery holder 116 provide
power for a control board 118 and an LED board 120. The control
board 118 provides functionality for receiving switch input,
providing state transitions (e.g., OFF, HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW, and
STROBE), and activating/deactivating the LED 112. The LED board 120
drives the LED 112. It is understood that additional circuit boards
may be used, the circuit boards 118 and 120 may be combined, and/or
functionality may be distributed differently than is described in
the illustrated embodiment.
A sensor 122 may be coupled to the control board 118 to provide
automatic shutoff and optionally automatic activation functionality
to the flashlight 100. As will be described later, a retention
device (e.g., a holster, a cradle, a sling or the like) or another
device (e.g., a recharging unit or base station) that is configured
for the flashlight 100 may include a component capable of being
sensed by the sensor 122 (e.g., a ferrous material, a magnet, tag,
or emitter) matched to the sensor 122. In the present non-limiting
example, the sensor 122 is a magnetically actuated sensor that
responds to the presence of a magnetic field (e.g., a Reed switch
or hall effect sensor) and the matching component would generate a
magnetic field detectable by the sensor 122 when the flashlight 100
is properly holstered or placed into the recharging unit. In other
embodiments, the location of the sensor and corresponding component
may be switched between the flashlight 100 and the retention
device. In other embodiments, a feature on the flashlight may
engage with a component or switch in the retention device, or vice
versa, to provide the function of detecting when the flashlight 100
is properly holstered or placed into the recharging unit or other
retention device, or removed from retention device or recharging
unit. In still other embodiments, a radio frequency identification
(RFID) reader or other types of sensors may be used as long as the
component in the holster or recharging unit is of the proper type
(e.g., an RFID tag).
In operation, in the base configuration embodiment, when the sensor
122 detects the presence of the magnetic field or other element
matched to the sensor 122, the sensor 122 will, in one embodiment,
shut off the LED 112 if the LED is on. This may save time for a
user while discontinuing use of the flashlight 100 since the user
can simply holster or cradle the flashlight 100 and does not have
to manually actuate one of the switches 106 or 110. Likewise, in
the base configuration embodiment, if the LED 112 is off when the
sensor 122 detects the presence of the magnetic field or other
element matched to the sensor 122, the sensor 122 in conjunction
with the system will prevent switches 106 and 110 from activating
the LED 112. This may prevent inadvertent activation of the LED 112
when holstered.
In another embodiment, the controller board 118 and sensor 122 are
configured to operate so that when the flashlight 100 is inserted
in the retention device, the controller operates to change the
state of the flashlight to off if it is on. Further, in optional
operating configurations, if the flashlight 100 is on when it is
inserted into the retention device, the controller operates to
memorize the current output mode and on/off state of the flashlight
(e.g., LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH, STROBE) and to turn off the flashlight
100. When the flashlight 100 is then subsequently removed from the
retention device, the controller, having memorized the on/off state
and output mode of the flashlight when it was inserted into the
retention device turns the flashlight on in the memorized on/off
state and output mode of the flashlight.
In another embodiment, the controller board 118 and sensor 122 are
configured to operate so that when the flashlight 100 is removed
from the retention device, the flashlight automatically turns on to
either a predetermined setting (e.g., HIGH) or a user selected
setting.
In another embodiment, controller board 118 and sensor 122 are
configured to operate so that when the flashlight 100 is inserted
in the retention device, power to the light source is interrupted
thereby stopping the illumination produced by the flashlight, but
the controller board 118 and sensor 122 do not change the current
mode of operation. In this way, when the flashlight is removed from
the retention device, power to the light source is restored and the
flashlight resumes producing illumination at the same mode as
before.
In the base configuration embodiment, contacts 124 and 126 may
completely or partially encircle the flashlight 100. As will be
described later, the contacts 124 and 126 may be used to
electrically couple the battery holder 116, or in some embodiments,
a stand-alone battery wherein each of its first end and second end
contain both positive and negative polarity, to a recharging unit.
One or more notches 128 may be positioned on or near the head 104
or other part of the flashlight 100 that engages with the retention
unit. As will be described later, the notches 128 may be used to
position the flashlight 100 within a retention device and/or to
align and seat the contacts 124 and 126 with contacts in the
recharging unit.
Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, an embodiment of the tail cap 108 is
illustrated. The tail cap 108 includes a housing 202 that forms a
support platform for the switch 110. The switch 110 may include a
switch cover 204 that engages an upper surface 206 of a switch
mechanism 208 when actuated. Actuation of the switch 110 sends a
signal to the control board 118, enabling the switch 110 to control
the LED 112.
In one embodiment, a lower surface 210 of the switch mechanism 208
forms a cavity 212 with an upper surface 214 of a lower member 216.
The cavity 212 is sized to provide a gap between the lower surface
210 and the upper surface 214. Conductive traces and/or contacts
may be provided on the upper surface 214 and, in some embodiments,
on the lower surface 210. When the switch mechanism 208 is pressed,
the gap is lessened and the switch actuation can be detected. For
example, the middle of the lower surface 210 may contact the middle
of the upper surface 214, completing a circuit via a contact 220. A
lower surface 218 of the lower member 216 is configured to
electrically engage the battery holder 116. The lower surface 218
includes three separate contacts 220, 222, and 224 (e.g., partial
or complete concentric metal circles and/or other contact shapes)
that are positioned to engage opposing contacts on the battery
holder 116. As will be described below, the lower surface 218
provides contacts and traces that are needed to complete the main
circuit in order for the flashlight 100 to operate.
Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, one embodiment of the battery holder
116 is illustrated in greater detail. In the embodiment, the
battery holder 116 includes a removable battery housing 302 with an
interior cavity 304 sized to receive a battery (not shown).
Although the present embodiment uses a rechargeable Lithium Ion
(Li-ion) battery such as an 18650, it is understood that the
battery holder 116 may be configured to receive many different
rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery types and sizes. One end
305 of the battery holder 116 abuts the tail cap 108 and the other
end 306 faces the control board 118. Both ends 305 and 306 provide
a positive terminal and a negative terminal. For example, the end
305 may include a main negative contact 308 and an additional
positive/negative contact pair 310 and 312. The end 306 may include
a main positive contact 318 and an additional negative contact 320.
It is understood that the polarity and position of a particular
contact may be different in other embodiments, as long as both ends
305 and 306 provide both a positive terminal and a negative
terminal. Traces (not shown) run along the battery housing 302 to
provide power and/or signal paths between the ends 305 and 306.
This enables the battery holder 116 to provide power to the two
circuit boards 118 and 120 and also to provide power to and/or
receive power from a module that is used to replace the tail cap
108. It is understood that it some embodiments, a stand-alone
battery may be configured to provide power to the two circuit
boards 118 and 120 and also to provide power to and/or receive
power from a modular extension, without need for a battery
holder.
In the present embodiment, the end 305 includes three contacts 308,
310, and 312 that extend through an end cap 314 and are positioned
to contact the three contacts on the lower surface 218 of the tail
cap 108. In some embodiments, the contacts 308, 310, and 312 may be
spring loaded to ensure that they securely engage the contacts in
the tail cap 108 while allowing for some depression into the
battery holder 116. The end cap 314 may be coupled to the housing
302 using a screw 316 or other coupling mechanism.
The end 306 includes two contacts 318 and 320 that extend through
an end cap 322 and are positioned to contact two contacts
positioned on a substrate 326 of the housing 102. The substrate 326
is electrically coupled to the control board 118 and supplies power
from the contacts 318 and 320 to the control board 118. In some
embodiments, the contacts 318 and 320 may be spring loaded to
ensure that they securely engage the contacts on the substrate 326
while allowing for some depression into the battery holder 116. The
end cap 322 may be coupled to the housing 302 using a screw 324 or
other coupling mechanism.
Referring to FIG. 4, a diagram illustrates one non-limiting
embodiment of a circuit 400 that may be used with the flashlight
100 of FIG. 1. It is understood that the circuit 400 is provided
for purposes of example and that many different circuits may be
used to provide some or all of the functionality described herein
for the flashlight 100. In one embodiment, the two switches 106
(SW2) and 110 (SW1) are double pole, single throw switches and
sensor 122 is a Reed switch. LED 112 is controlled by the switch
positions and logic provided by integrated circuits 402 and 404,
which drive LED 112 via transistor Q1. Direct current (DC) input at
J1 may be approximately 4.5 volts and 1 amp, VCC may be
approximately 3.7V and 2800 mAh, and VDD may be approximately
2.5V-3.3V. It is understood that these values are for purposes of
example only, and that the circuit 400 may be designed for other
values of voltage and/or current.
Referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, one embodiment of the flashlight 100 of
FIG. 1 is illustrated with a modular extension unit 500. In one
embodiment, the modular extension unit 500 provides an additional
power source for the flashlight 100. The modular extension unit 500
replaces the tail cap 108 and attaches to the housing 102 in the
same manner as the tail cap 108. For example, if the tail cap 108
is threadably engaged to the housing 102, then the modular
extension unit 500 will threadably engage to the housing 102. This
enables the modular extension unit 500 to be quickly brought into
service without the need to reconfigure the flashlight 100 from its
base configuration except for removal of the tail cap 108.
The modular extension unit 500 includes a substantially cylindrical
housing 502 that contains a cavity 504 that is accessed by removing
a module tail cap 506. The cavity 504 is sized to receive one or
more batteries 505, such a Li-ion battery. The module tail cap 506
may include a spring 508 that may both ensure that the battery 505
is secured against a contact on the opposite end and serve as an
electrical terminal for the negative end of the battery 505 (or
positive end if the modular extension unit is designed to receive
the battery in a different manner).
On the opposite end, the modular extension unit 500 is similar to
the end cap 108. Accordingly, a retention member 508 is positioned
to retain the battery 505 in the cavity 504. The retention member
508, which may itself be conductive or include conductive traces,
may include an opening 510. The retention member 508 may form a
cavity 512 with an upper surface 514 of a lower member 516,
although this cavity may not exist in other embodiments. The upper
surface 514 may include one or more contacts to engage a terminal
of the battery 505. A lower surface 518 of the lower member 516 is
configured to electrically engage the battery holder 116.
Accordingly, the lower surface 518 includes three separate contacts
(e.g., partial or complete concentric metal circles) that are
positioned to engage opposing contacts on the battery holder 116.
Accordingly, power may flow from the battery 505 through the
contacts to the battery holder 116. As with the tail cap 108,
various contacts and traces provided by the modular extension unit
500 are needed to complete the main circuit for the LED 112.
Referring to FIGS. 6A-6F, one embodiment of the flashlight 100 of
FIG. 1 is illustrated with an optional modular extension unit 600.
In one embodiment, the modular extension unit 600 provides an
additional light source for the flashlight 100. The modular
extension unit 600 replaces the tail cap 108 and attaches to the
housing 102 in the same manner as the tail cap 108. For example, if
the tail cap 108 is threadably engaged to the housing 102, then the
modular extension unit 600 will threadably engage to the housing
102. This enables the modular extension unit 600 to be quickly
brought into service without the need to reconfigure the flashlight
100 from its base configuration except for removal of the tail cap
108.
The modular extension unit 600 includes a substantially cylindrical
housing 602 that contains a cavity 604. The cavity 604 contains one
or more light sources (e.g., LEDs) (not shown) on a substrate 606.
In the present embodiment, the LEDs are positioned to project light
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing 602. A tail cap 608,
which may or may not be removable, may include at least a portion
610 (e.g., a window) formed from a material (e.g., a transparent or
translucent plastic) that allows the passage of light (represented
by light beams 612), thereby enabling light projected by the LEDs
to exit the tail cap 608. Some or all of the housing 602 wall may
also be formed of a material (e.g., a transparent or translucent
plastic) that enables light to pass. It is understood that varying
the amount and/or location of the material within the wall enables
many different lighting needs to be met. Furthermore, by varying
the color of the LEDs and/or the color of the material, different
colors of lights may be provided.
The modular extension unit 600 includes a switch 614 that may be
used to actuate the LEDs in the modular extension unit 600. The
switch 614 may be configured as previously described with respect
to switches 106 and 110 (e.g., with multiple states and pressure
sensitivities) or may be differently configured. For example, the
switch 614 may be used to toggle the LEDs through an OFF state, a
CONSTANT ON state, and a STROBE state.
Power for the modular extension unit 600 is obtained from the
battery contained in the battery compartment or battery holder 116.
Accordingly, the modular extension unit 600 includes a lower member
616 that has an upper surface 618 facing the switch 614 and a lower
surface 620 facing the battery holder 116. The lower surface 620 is
configured to electrically engage the battery holder 116.
Accordingly, the lower surface 620 includes three separate contacts
(e.g., partial or complete concentric metal circles) that are
positioned to engage opposing contacts on the battery holder 116.
In some embodiments, actuation of the switch 614 may simply
connect/disconnect power to the LEDs without use of the controller
board 118. In other embodiments, actuation of the switch 614 may
cause a signal to be sent to the controller board 118 and the
controller board 118 may handle activation/deactivation of the
LEDs.
It is understood that many other modular extension units may be
used with the flashlight 100 of FIG. 1. For example, another
modular extension unit may provide infrared signaling/marking
functionality that could be used to signal or provide a point of
reference for a human or for another device equipped with infrared
optics. Yet another modular extension unit may provide passive
ethyl-alcohol detection functionality that could be used to detect
small amounts of ethyl-alcohol in the ambient air and provide a
visual and/or audible alert when detection occurs. Still another
modular extension unit may provide a chemical (e.g., Oleoresin
Capsicum (OC)) dispersing functionality that could be used to
provide personal protection by releasing a metered amount of OC or
another chemical or compound to a specific targeted area. Another
modular extension unit may provide electrical stun functionality
that could be used to provide personal protection by disrupting a
target person's internal electrical communication system using
high-voltage, low-ampere electrical pulses. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, modular extension units may be coupled to one another
(e.g., stacked) to provide multiple functions. In still other
embodiments, a single modular extension unit may provide multiple
functions. In other embodiments, a modular extension unit may
provide some or all of its own power.
In another embodiment an extension unit is configured to provide
personal protection by disrupting a target person's internal
electrical communication system using high-voltage, low-ampere
electrical pulses. The extension unit's lower surface is
electrically configured to engage battery holder 116 or other
stand-alone battery. The extension unit's top surface contains a
pressure switch, containing a switch action movement parallel to
the extension housing, and a positive and negative electrical
terminal. During depression of the pressure switch, the extension
unit's controller electrically transforms and directs energy from
the battery holder and battery, or stand-alone battery, to the
exposed electrical terminals. This enables a user, for the purpose
of personal protection, to push the flashlight 100, with this
extension unit affixed, into another person or animal so that the
top side of this extension unit contacts the person or animal and
with enough force to depress the pressure switch. The high voltage
low ampere current will disrupt the threatening person's or
animal's internal electrical communication system.
Referring to FIGS. 7A-7D, one embodiment of a retention device 700
(e.g., a holster) is illustrated. The holster 700 includes a
receptacle 702 for receiving the housing 102 of the flashlight 100
so that the head 104, which is wider than the housing 102, engages
a lip 704 and stops the flashlight 100 from sliding through. The
holster 700 may have an opening at the bottom to prevent debris and
moisture from accumulating and, in some embodiments, to allow the
flashlight 100 to be properly holstered when a modular extension
unit is attached. A clip 706, which may be adjustable, is provided
for attachment to a belt or other available attachment point. When
fully inserted into the holster 700, protrusions 708 may engage the
notches 128 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) and ensure that the flashlight 100 is
not easily dislodged from the holster 700 during physical activity
by the user. It is understood that while the present embodiment
uses the combination of protrusions and notches to achieve secure
storage, other methods may be used (e.g. magnetic attraction, a
lever clamp, etc.) Although not shown, a magnet or other component
(e.g., an RFID tag) may be attached to or embedded within the
holster 700 to actuate the previously described sensor 122. For
example, the magnet may be embedded in a collar 710.
In another embodiment, the retention device 700 includes a charging
circuit board 715, in some embodiments, a rechargeable battery
technology (e.g., a li-ion, li-polymer). This embodiment allows a
user to charge the flashlight while the flashlight is retained on
their person using both a constant connection to a power source
(e.g. sitting in a vehicle), or stored energy if equipped with a
rechargeable battery. The flashlight 100 is placed into the
receptacle 702 until the two contacts 714 securely engage the
contacts 124 and 126 on the flashlight 100. In the present
embodiment, the notches 128 engage protrusions 708 on the interior
of the receiving receptacle 702 to achieve secure placement, but it
is understood other methods may be used (e.g. magnetic attraction,
a lever clamp, etc.). The contacts 714, coupled to circuit board
715, may be additionally coupled with an external power source (not
shown), in some embodiments, a rechargeable battery technology,
which is provided power via a power receptacle 711 on the posterior
surface of the retention device 700. The power receptacle 711
accepts a power source which is shaped to match the electrical
contact configuration in receptacle 711. In this example, position
of the power source connection to receptacle 711 is maintained
using magnetic attraction, allowing for quick disconnection. It is
understood that the position of the power receptacle 711 may be
located in a different position on the retention device 700 in some
embodiments. For example, the power receptacle may be positioned on
the side of the retention device 700. It is also understood that
the shape and electrical contact configuration may be arranged
differently (e.g. plug and socket).
In another embodiment, the retention device 700 includes a switches
internally coupled with a light source (e.g. Light Emitting Diode
(LED)) 712 and 713, which display battery charge level information
to the user when pressure is applied to the switch. Upon pressure
application to switch 712, its internal light source will
illuminate GREEN to display full-charge status, YELLOW to display
partial-charge status, or RED to display diminished capacity of the
flashlight's 100 internal battery. Upon pressure application to
switch 713, its internal light source will illuminate GREEN to
display full-charge status, YELLOW to display partial-charge
status, or red to display diminished capacity of the retention
device's 700 internal battery if equipped. When a power source is
providing charging circuit 715 with power via power receptacle 711,
the internal light source to push button 712 and 713 will remain
illuminated until the connection to the power source is removed. It
is understood that in this example, switch 712 displays battery
charge status of the flashlight 100, and switch 713 displays
battery charge status of the retention device's 700 internal
battery. In other embodiments, only one switch may be present (e.g.
in the absence of an internal battery function), or switch 713 may
display internal battery status instead of flashlight battery
charge status. It is also understood that this example uses a light
source to display battery charge status information, but other
embodiments may use other visual methods to display battery charge
status such as LCD displays, electrophoretic ink, etc. It is also
understood that the position of the switch may be positioned at a
different location on retention device (e.g. top surface, posterior
surface, etc.). In this example, the switch and visual display
method are coupled. It is understood that in some embodiments, a
switch and visual display method may be located on retention device
700 in separate locations.
In another embodiment, the retention device, when also equipped
with a rechargeable battery, includes a female power output
receptacle in a common Universal Serial Bus (USB) arrangement 716
coupled to the charging circuit 715, which can deliver sufficient
electrical charge to recharge a mobile telephone battery or other
USB compatible device battery. The void space in the USB receptacle
is covered and sealed using an attached rubber gasket, which is
sized to occupy the void space, which is purposed to prevent water,
dust, debris etc. from entering the USB receptacle. It is
understood that the position of the USB receptacle may vary.
Referring to FIGS. 8A-8F, one embodiment of a recharging unit 800
is illustrated. The recharging unit 800 includes a base 802 that
supports a receiving ring 804. The receiving ring 804 is sized to
receive the housing 102 of the flashlight 100. The flashlight 100
is placed into the receiving ring 804 in the direction of arrow 805
until the notches 128 engage protrusions 810 on the interior of the
receiving ring 804. The notches 128 and protrusions 810 ensure that
two contacts 806 and 808 engage the contacts 124 and 126 on the
flashlight 100. The contacts 806 and 808 may be coupled to an
external power source (not shown), which is accessed by the
recharging unit 800 via a power cord 812 that engages a power
receptacle 814 in the base 802.
The base 802 may also include an indention or other designated area
816 for the battery holder 116 or a rechargeable battery. In one
embodiment, the indention 816 includes a positive terminal 818 and
a negative terminal 820 that may be coupled to the external power
source via the power cord 812. Tabs 826 and 828 may aid in securing
the battery holder 116 or battery within the indention 816. Lights
822 and 824 may indicate current charge state via color changes
and/or other visual indicators, such as blinking/steady. For
example, light 822 may indicate the charge state of the flashlight
100 and light 824 may indicate the charge state of the battery in
the indention 816.
The base 802 and/or receiving ring 804 may include a magnet (not
shown) positioned for detection by the sensor 122. This prevents
inadvertent activation of the flashlight 100 while the flashlight
is positioned in the recharging unit 800.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure that this modular flashlight and modular
flashlight system provide a basic flashlight configuration that may
be extended using modular extension units. It should be understood
that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and
are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and
examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further
modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions,
alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and
scope hereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is
intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all
such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions,
alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.
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